To the OP if you like the look of shots from the 70-200 you're in DSLR only territory. They are starting to come out with nicer lenses for mirrorless cameras but they are limited and pretty much all primes. And a point and shoot wont even come close.

My advice is have both, or go crazy and have 2 SLR set ups. My Fuji S5 Pro uses Nikon DX lenses and a full kit is noticeably smaller than the D700's. Also the original D300 is getting really affordable on the used market, 650 for the original model which would be a great deal if you plan to do any action shots. After seeing that I'm seriously thinking about picking one up.

My problem with mirrorless/interchangable lens cameras is they're still well beyond fitting in your pocket, and you're still not getting the benefit of a decent viewfinder (although I have not looked at the latest digital viewfinders)...

So for me, I'm still not convinced about 4/3 mirrorless...but there are some increasingly appealing models coming out in this space.

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Have a look at the nex-6 and nex-7. Excellent view finders and there are a couple of lenses that make it jacket-pocketable (16mm and 16-50mm).

Have a look at the nex-6 and nex-7. Excellent view finders and there are a couple of lenses that make it jacket-pocketable (16mm and 16-50mm).

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Funnily enough, one of my friends turned with a Nex-6 last night and I have to say I was really impressed. Very fast and the digital viewfinder was surprisingly close to an optical viewfinder with the added benefits of digital overlay.

I still need some convincing that the trade off is worth it for me, now that I'm quite comfortable carrying my dslr around... but the nex 6 is a indeed rather nice. I can only assume the 7 is nicer still.

Funnily enough, one of my friends turned with a Nex-6 last night and I have to say I was really impressed. Very fast and the digital viewfinder was surprisingly close to an optical viewfinder with the added benefits of digital overlay.

I still need some convincing that the trade off is worth it for me, now that I'm quite comfortable carrying my dslr around... but the nex 6 is a indeed rather nice. I can only assume the 7 is nicer still.

It's a great time to be a photographer

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I've got the 7. Same as the 6 really. The 7 is a generation older, well half a generation, so despite the 6 being the lower model it's inherited all the good stuff.

Eyeball, just retread my post in which I said " The Leica Monochrome is god's way of telling you that you're stupid"

Don't know how you couldn't think that was directed specifically at you.

It wasn't , as I too have lusted after that box and the glass to go with it.

When reality and sobriety finally set it , I understand that b&W is best processed from a raw , colour image, affording us
greater control over tonal values... something that the monochrome would decide for us.

So keep the tough compact - that can stay in your pocket as you don't need to worry about the weather etc and get the dslr for when you've got a little more time

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This would seem to be the most obvious option...... if I had a house or at least could see myself based somewhere for quite a while longer. I guess it is the way I would like to go...... but.....

After nearly a decade where I am now a move is staring to look imminent. That will involve a 11,000 km flight to the land of my birth, and uncertainty about where I will be living. Most likely I will be itinerant for a bit, at least, before I get somewhat settled. That is what puts me off for now.

To the OP if you like the look of shots from the 70-200 you're in DSLR only territory. They are starting to come out with nicer lenses for mirrorless cameras but they are limited and pretty much all primes. And a point and shoot wont even come close.

My advice is have both, or go crazy and have 2 SLR set ups. My Fuji S5 Pro uses Nikon DX lenses and a full kit is noticeably smaller than the D700's. Also the original D300 is getting really affordable on the used market, 650 for the original model which would be a great deal if you plan to do any action shots. After seeing that I'm seriously thinking about picking one up.

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Would be nice too, but even more stuff..... when itinerant, less is much, much more. One day it might be nice to land up with a "tough" camera, a Fuji X10 or similar (with an underwater housing), and a DSLR. Just not right now.

Funnily enough, one of my friends turned with a Nex-6 last night and I have to say I was really impressed. Very fast and the digital viewfinder was surprisingly close to an optical viewfinder with the added benefits of digital overlay.

I still need some convincing that the trade off is worth it for me, now that I'm quite comfortable carrying my dslr around... but the nex 6 is a indeed rather nice. I can only assume the 7 is nicer still.

It's a great time to be a photographer

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It is always a trade off, and then making the most of what you have within its limitations. As they say a bad workman blames his tools. A good workman knows how to get the most out of what he has to work with.

The Fuji X10 could be the way I go for now. With the better lens, bigger sensor, and (most importantly for photographing sport) insignificant shutter lag, it would be an improvement on what I have albeit with some limitations. In the end it is just a matter of making the trade off, and making the most of it.

Thanks for the input.

A bit of what I have done with the versatile Olympus TG310:

Action in front of the pavilion - the first game of the Phuket T/20 Cricket League 2012. This was used in the local newspaper, as have quite a few other photos I have taken to go with write ups of the games.

Happy dog on the beach

Always take an umbrella when going out for a ride.

The correct way to carry a pillion

At Ao Sane

Gods and fireworks; last night of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2012. The photos were taken at the same spot, within about 15 minutes of each other.

Also the original D300 is getting really affordable on the used market, 650 for the original model which would be a great deal if you plan to do any action shots. After seeing that I'm seriously thinking about picking one up.

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Unlike many developed countries, there is not much of a second hand market for anything here. My first camera, bought in my home country, New Zealand. was second hand. So was my last film camera, bought in Japan.

In the end I went for the Fujifilm X10 ....... maybe a DSLR with a decent zoom some time in future. For now the compactness of the X10 suits my needs and style. I have been pleased with some the photos I have taken over the past three weeks, some of which have been used in the local newspapers......

Mostly been used for photographing sport; sorry no motorcycles so far!

Less than pleasing was taking it back to the shop yesterday. The optical viewfinder stopped moving with the lens. Obviously the linkage got disconnected or something. I want it fixed, hopefully under warranty, but I don't care if I have to pay....... it is going to take 45 days before it gets back to me!

Thanks for the offer, but I am in Thailand, and I guess you are in the USA

Unlike many developed countries, there is not much of a second hand market for anything here. My first camera, bought in my home country, New Zealand. was second hand. So was my last film camera, bought in Japan.

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Look at the D7100 and Sigma 50-150 F2.8, it'll give you performance like the full size DSLR and 70-200 but in a smaller form factor.

Look at the D7100 and Sigma 50-150 F2.8, it'll give you performance like the full size DSLR and 70-200 but in a smaller form factor.

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Thanks, it looks like the sort of set-up I would go for. A full frame DSLR would be overkill for my needs. Plenty of megapixels is good too, as often I just take a general picture of a piece of action, then crop out the bit I want.